A novel non-invasive adjuvant biomechanical treatment for patients with altered rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty: Results of a pilot investigation

Lee Yaari, Yona Kosashvili, Ganit Segal, Shai Shemesh, Steven Velkes, Amit Mor, Ronen Debi, Benjamin Bernfeld, Avi Elbaz

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    4 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Background: Many factors contribute to suboptimal results after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) but little is known regarding the value of postsurgical rehabilitation after TKA. We examined the effects of an enhanced closed kinematic chain exercises program (AposTherapy) on gait patterns and clinical outcomes among patients with a lack of progress in their postsurgical rehabilitation. Methods: Twenty-two patients were prospectively followed during the study. Gait spatiotemporal parameters were measured at the initial evaluation, after 15 minutes of therapy, and after 3 months of therapy. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the short form (SF) 36 health survey were completed by patients before treatment and after 3 months of treatment. Results: The WOMAC and SF-36 scores improved significantly after 3 months of treatment. Gait velocity, single limb support, and step length of the operated leg improved significantly even after a single 15 minutes treatment. Normal gait velocity was observed in 36% of patients after 3 months of treatment. Conclusions: A physiotherapy program that included enhanced closed kinematic chain biomechanical therapy was beneficial for patients who experienced a suboptimal rehabilitation course after TKA.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)191-198
    Number of pages8
    JournalClinics in Orthopedic Surgery
    Volume7
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 1 Jan 2015

    Keywords

    • Arthroplasty
    • Gait
    • Knee
    • Rehabilitation

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Surgery
    • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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